A MOTOWN-loving mother has promised to sing while she’s running as she prepares to tackle the Flora London Marathon.

Barbara Arnott from Hersham is undertaking the gruelling task for the first “and, quite possibly, the last” time for national deaf/blind charity Sense on April 13.

The 47-year-old has been listening to top tunes from the 60s since commencing training in November and enjoys a good singalong during her regular five-mile training runs to and from work as a legal PA in Esher.

She is also banking on her favourite bands, such as Madness and T-Rex, to give her a lift when she most needs it along the route of the gruelling 26.2-mile race — the largest annual fundraising event in the world.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to do the marathon but I just didn’t think it was something I could do. A number of my friends are doing it this year so that spurred me on.”

Barbara has run 10km and 5km races in the past but has pushed her fitness to the peak for the marathon by running 14 miles once a week as part of a punishing regime.

“I just thought that if I didn’t do it this time I may never get another opportunity,” she added.

Barbara hopes to complete the course in around four hours, raising £1,400 for Sense.

Simon Taylor, London Marathon project manager for Sense, said: “Most of what we learn about the world comes through our ears and eyes, so deaf/blind people face major challenges with communication, access to information and mobility.

“We believe Barbara couldn’t be running for a more worthwhile cause and we’ll be behind her every step of the way, cheering her on.”

She is being sponsored by friends, family and work colleagues, but seeks to boost her final total with a car boot sale and contributions from local businesses.

Are you running the London Marathon this year? Let us know and we will endeavour to feature you in our marathon round up later this spring. Call the newsdesk on 01372 463553 or e-mail newsandmail@esher.co.uk.